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Q:

Room ventilation for safe oil painting

Asked by lisboncomplex On Jul 20, 2009

Hi.

I'm starting to paint with oil paints. I already bought brushes, tubes of paint, canvases, etc. I have a room at my home which I started using for this purpose (I don't use it as a bedroom). This room has large windows which I keep always open and I paint with my easel very near these windows.

As a solvent I always use the low odour Sansodor brand from Winsor and Newton and never the traditional turps. However I'm very concerned about health hazards and smelling harmful and toxic fumes. Do you think that an opened window is enough as a ventilation system as I don't have any forced air system to blow out the fumes? I also know that Sansodor is less toxic than a traditional turpentine but it's still harmful. In my country (Portugal) there are no citrine based solvents for sale in art or craft stores. I'm thinking of buying them online despite being expensive.

I'm not considering working with water soluble oil paints like Artisan from W&N or others. Which advise would you give? What health risks can I suffer from this activity.

Thanks in advance!

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firmbeliever   2234 Reputation
On a path to peace,complete peace!
I found this and it gives precautions for oil painters,but it doesnt mention if an open window is enough ventilation or not.
Studio safety and oil painting | All the Strange Hours
Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:19 am Comment
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lisboncomplex   1 Reputation
Hi firmbeliever! Thank you so much for your very quick and kind answer.

The link you gave was quite helpful, specially considering the chemistry of pigments and oil based paints. As for the ventilation matter, the author of that text wasn't quite clear about what are the minimum requirements. The author also doesn't give alternatives to traditional solvents besides not using them which can be very limiting for oil painting.

Thanks again and have a nice week
Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:34 pm Comment
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firmbeliever   2234 Reputation
On a path to peace,complete peace!
I hope someone pops in to help with the ventilation issue.

http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1...y/oilclass.txt


You could try asking at this site.
How to Oil Paint ~ Oil Painting Lessons ~ Guide to Oil Painting




We would also love to see your work if you like to put them up here.
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:00 am Comment
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